Scholarships, Nonprofits, and Day Camps: Tips For More Affordable Summer Camp Experience

Summer camp can be a wonderful learning opportunity for children, but it's a reality that not all parents will be able to send their young ones to camp on their own steam, especially if they need to be prudent about their family budget. 

Image source: scopeusa.org

That said, there are still several ways families can do to give their children the summer camp experience – all they need is to know where to look.

Scholarships - Though it's not always announced, some traditional, private camps do offer financial aid or "camperships" to needy children. Parents should apply early, however, as these can be quite competitive owing to the number of kids who want to go camping yearly.

Discounts - Some camps offer incentives like reduced rates to families who register early or enroll multiple children. Promos and discounts like these aren't always advertised, however, so it's always worth inquiring about the possibility!

Day camp - Day camp is generally cheaper than sleepaway camp as the attendees return home in the evenings. According to the IRS, parents may also claim a childcare credit if they send their child (aged 12 or younger) to day care or day camp, provided that the circumstances meet certain conditions.

That said, there are also some day camps, like the ones run by the New York-based Fresh Air Fund and select public offices like the San Francisco Police Department (which has a fishing program) that are completely free.

Image source: wikimedia.org

Nonprofit organizations and camps -There are a number of nonprofit camps in America, typically run by groups like the YMCA or 4-H, that host campers from the lower socio-economic bracket. Most programs are shorter than the typical summer camp but offer the same fun and educational opportunities to less fortunate kids. The children's tuitions are covered by charitable organizations such as Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education (SCOPE), churches, or businesses.

Volunteering - Programs where parents or the campers themselves can offer their time, energy, and talents in exchange for a discounted rate are also an option. Certain camps even offer parents who volunteer as camp nurses (provided they're registered nurses) a full tuition discount for one of their children.

With all those options, families shouldn't give up easily that they can't send their kids to summer camp. It might take a little creativity, patience, and research, but there may be a way they can be sure their kids aren't left out of the fun and learning found in summer camp.

Lake of the Woods Camp director Dayna Hardin is also the co-founder of the aforementioned SCOPE. Subscribe to this blog to learn more about the summer camp experience and how it helps enrich children's lives.